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UK weather forecast: London and South East could sizzle in 35C heat on hottest day in THREE years

Sun lovers flocked to Bournemouth beach to enjoy the sunshine: PA
Sun lovers flocked to Bournemouth beach to enjoy the sunshine: PA

London and the south east could sizzle on the hottest day in three years as the mercury looks set to soar as high as 35C.

The UK looks set to face its warmest week of the year as the heatwave gripping the country shows no sign of letting up.

Met Office forecaster Craig Snell told the Standard that temperatures could hit 35C by Friday – marking the hottest UK day since June 1 2015 when highs of 36.7C were recorded at Heathrow Airport.

He said: “We are fairly certain the UK could see the hottest spell this year despite this heatwave having held its grip since June.

Heatwave: Sun worshippers flocked to the UK's beaches over the weekend (PA)
Heatwave: Sun worshippers flocked to the UK's beaches over the weekend (PA)

“More warm air will move into from the continent by the end of the week making it highly likely we will at least have the hottest day this year if temperatures reach about 34.5C recorded back in June.”

Monday and Tuesday look set to be sunny with some cloud as temperatures are likely to reach highs of 31C, Mr Snell said.

Thunderstorms could blight the good weather on Wednesday before scorching temperatures hit on Thursday and Friday.

Scorcher! Festival-goers in Finsbury Park in north London attend Wireless (PA)
Scorcher! Festival-goers in Finsbury Park in north London attend Wireless (PA)

Mr Snell added: “It won’t be wall-to-wall sunshine and there is some chance of thunderstorms and showers on Wednesday, especially out towards Essex but these will be sporadic.

“The end of the week looks set to be the warmest we’ve had this year with the heat showing no sign of letting up just yet.”

Londoners bask in Clissold Park, north London (PA)
Londoners bask in Clissold Park, north London (PA)

During the current heatwave, UK temperatures have been approximately 10C higher than average for this time of year.

Instead of 23C which could usually be expected in London in July, temperatures could tip 34C

A couple enjoy the sun in Leytonstone (PA)
A couple enjoy the sun in Leytonstone (PA)

Scotland, which averages 17C could enjoy highs of up to 25C while Wales could jump to 26C or 27C instead of 19.2C.

Those in Northern Ireland may be basking in 24C rather than the July average of 18.5C.

Public Health England have urged millions of families preparing to hit the roads for the first week of the summer holiday to “use common sense” amid the sizzling heat.